Some believe snoring is exclusive to adults and may even signal a child is well-rested. However, if a child snores consistently, breathes through their mouth, or sleeps face-down, parents should raise concerns—this could indicate pediatric snoring syndrome.
Today, we’ll discuss the symptoms and diagnostic methods for pediatric snoring.
Pediatric snoring, commonly referred to as childhood snoring, occurs when airway obstruction leads to hypoxemia during sleep, resulting in developmental delays, cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction, neurological damage, or behavioral abnormalities. Medically, it is termed Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS).
Parents can observe the following signs:
Noticeable abdominal rise and fall during snoring.
Breathing pauses lasting two or more respiratory cycles.
Loud snores restarting abruptly after brief airflow cessation.
These episodes, termed **"breathing pauses,"** often represent subconscious awakenings. Due to their short duration, children may remain unaware.Common Causes.
Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis: Pollen allergies or sinus infections cause nasal congestion and mucus buildup, leading to breathing difficulties and snoring. Children with asthma often have inflamed nasal passages, exacerbating snoring.
Enlarged Adenoids and Tonsils: Hypertrophy of these tissues increases upper airway resistance during inhalation. The soft palate and tongue root press against the posterior pharyngeal wall, especially in supine positions, causing airflow obstruction and mouth breathing.
Obesity: Excess weight narrows nasal airways, impairing ventilation and triggering mouth breathing and snoring.
Diagnosing Pediatric Snoring
Symptoms to watch for:
Persistent mouth breathing without concurrent respiratory infections or allergies may indicate adenoid hypertrophy.
Pediatric snoring impacts more than sleep—it often reduces blood oxygen levels, severely affecting intellectual and physical development.
Sleep Monitoring
If snoring is observed, a sleep study is recommended to assess for sleep-disordered breathing.
To improve patient care, Ren Shu Medical offers a "Sleep Monitoring at Home" service using portable polysomnography monitors. After receiving guidance from medical staff, parents can conduct the test at home overnight. Data is then reviewed during a follow-up clinic visit. This method eliminates cumbersome wiring, significantly enhancing comfort.
